The effect of Koji-feed (fermented distillery by-product) on the growth performance and nutrient metabolizability in broiler

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the Koji-feed made by fermentation using Aspergillus awamori as a feed additive. Metabolizable energy of Koji-feed was also measured. In experiment 1, effects of the diets containing 0.05 and 1.0% Koji-feed on performance and abdominal fat content in broiler chicks were tested. In experiment 2, metabolizable energy of Koji-feed was measured in addition to reexamining the effect of the diet containing 1.0% Koji-feed to confirm the growth promoting effect of Koji-feed. In experiment 1, it was shown that Koji-feed supplementation improved body weight gain significantly. No effects on feed intake and feed efficiency were observed. Carcass weight was significantly increased and the breast muscle weight tended to be improved (p < 0A4) by 0.05% Koji-feed. Abdominal fat and plasma triglyceride were decreased significantly by 1.0% Koji-feed. In experiment 2, metabolizable energy of Koji-feed was estimated to be 1070 kcal/kg and the effects of 1.0% Koji-feed was consistent with those of experiment 1. In conclusion, the present results showed that Koji-feed could improve broiler performance and decrease abdominal fat content.